At the core of Neiheiser Argyros’ vision for Steele’s Road House was to establish an organic connection between the dwelling and its verdant surroundings. The team’s foremost goal was to create an immersive experience, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, while cleverly enhancing the perception of abundant space without physically expanding the area.
The result is a harmonious blend of classic allure and modern functionality, which breathes new life into the property. The rear garden now stands as a timber-clad extension of the living space, acting as a tranquil oasis amidst the urban bustle. The seamless integration of the indoors with the outdoors encourages a sense of oneness with nature.
As the architects describe, “The design can be understood as a series of small spatial modifications that accumulate to make a significantly bigger and brighter home. Interior walls are removed and new structural bracing is introduced, allowing for the living spaces to be significantly enlarged with continuous views from the front to the back of the house. The shared living spaces of the house are arranged on the raised ground floor with the private bedrooms located on the lower ground floor where side extensions and localized structural underpinning enlarge the footprint of the house and maximize its functionality for a growing young family”.
The existing backyard has been thoughtfully excavated and terraced, allowing direct access to a freshly planted garden from the lower-level bedrooms. Likewise, a small balcony has been transformed into a spacious terrace, offering an unobstructed connection between the upper level and the garden. The use of clay pavers on the ground and a striking deep red railing fosters a harmonious visual and physical flow between the upper terrace, garden, and lower patio. As we delve into the lower ground extension, accoya wood cladding sets a contemporary tone, distinct from the Victorian detailing above. Abundant skylights are strategically placed to fill the interior with natural light, while a green roof on the new rear terrace blends the garden’s vitality with the upper ground level’s life.
“For the interior, it was a process of editing; strategically removing walls, cutting new openings, stripping off layers of plaster and paint, and having a light touch with the choice of new materials to allow the space to breathe and feel more open“, says the team.
While preserving the original charm, features like fireplaces and ceiling mouldings undergo renovation. In some areas, the plaster walls are stripped to reveal the beautiful brick masonry. To complement the existing domestic elements with a touch of industrial aesthetics, new steel and glass doors and windows are introduced. Neiheiser Argyros’ approach to materiality celebrates the natural and tactile aspects. Against the neutral backdrop, colorful elements stand out powerfully. A pink balustrade and door frames define the entry space, and dark blue cabinets contrast with the lightness of Carrara marble and Douglas Fir flooring in the kitchen. The red railing in the garden reinforces the continuity between the two patios and complements the native crab apple trees. Furthermore, the entry to the master bedroom boasts dark blue walls and joinery, creating a transitional space that accentuates the brightness of the bedroom beyond.
